Practice Tip of the Week | Nursing Practice Almanac for 2026

By: Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC 

What is on the horizon for nursing practice in Texas in 2026? While prediction is not an essential nursing practice skill, anticipation certainly is. Nurses are educated to assess trends, identify
risks, and prepare for evolving needs, which are skills that extend beyond the bedside into leadership, policy, and systems-level thinking. As healthcare in Texas continues to evolve amid workforce shortages, technological advancement, and shifting population
needs, nurses remain at the center of change. This article highlights several key trends shaping nursing practice in Texas and offers opportunities for reflection as nurses prepare for the year ahead.  

Workplace Violence 

Workplace violence (WPV) against nurses continues to be a top priority for the profession and carries a heavy emotional, physical, and moral burden. Recent news has once again brought national attend to violent attacks against nurses, prompting
the recurring and frustrating question: “what is going to be done about this?”  For many nurses, workplace violence is not a rare occurrence, but an expected occupational hazard, one that contributes to burnout, moral distress, and workforce attrition.  

Over the last two legislative sessions, the Texas Nurses Association (TNA) has consistently made workplace violence prevention a top legislative priority. The successes of the 88th Legislative Session in 2023 provided a meaningful milestone, as
Texas lawmakers formally acknowledged workplace violence as a crisis affecting nurses and healthcare workers statewide. This acknowledgement represented an important step toward accountability and system-level change.   

While work
continues at the state level through collaboration with healthcare organizations, law enforcement, and professional associations, national advocacy efforts also remain critical. Nurses are encouraged to share their experiences and advocate for federal
protections through the American Nurses Association RN Action Center. Legislative change alone, however, is not enough. Sustainable solutions will require organizational commitment, cultural shifts, leadership accountability, and consistent reporting
and response mechanisms.   

Reflection: What actions is your organization taking to prevent and respond to workplace violence in nursing? How has your workplace violence prevention committee evolved since it became a legislative requirement
in 2023?  

Artificial Intelligence 

In 2025 multiple news articles highlighted the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in nursing and healthcare. During speaking engagements throughout the year, it was
surprising to hear how many nurses expressed fear, skepticism or uncertainty about AI and its impact on nursing practice. Concerns ranged from job displacement to ethical implications and patient safety.  

The Texas Board of Nursing
emphasizes that nurses must continue to use sound clinical judgement and understand the tools and technologies they employ from infusion pumps and monitoring equipment to electronic health records and AI-driven decision-support systems. AI does not replace
nursing judgement; rather, it amplifies the importance of critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and professional accountability.  

Rather than waiting for AI-related decisions to be made without nursing input, nurses can proactively
engage. Serving on technology committees, participating in pilot programs, and asking thoughtful questions when new tools are proposed allows nurses to influence how technology is implemented. When nurses are involved early, AI can be leveraged to reduce
documentation burden, support clinical decision making, and improve patient outcomes, all while preserving the human connection central to nursing care.   

Reflection: How have you been resistant to technological change and what steps
can you take in 2026 to learn more about AI integration in nursing and healthcare? 

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia 

Did you know Texas has state plan to address Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementias (ADRD)?
As the population ages, nurses will increasingly care for individuals living with cognitive impairment across all settings, including hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and community health programs. Nurses often serve as the clinical bridge
between diagnosis, care coordination, and caregiver support.  

Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment supporting the creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, with more than two
million voters supporting the initiative (Ballotpedia, 2026). This investment signals growing recognition of ADRD as a public health priority and highlights the need for a nursing workforce prepared to meet complex needs. According to Board Rule 216.3(h),
nurses must ensure continuing education targeted on topics covering the older adult and geriatric care when renewing their nursing license (BON, 2026). This rule reinforces the expectation that all nurses, regardless of the practice setting, should maintain
competency in caring for aging populations and supporting families navigating progressive cognitive conditions.  

Nursing Practice Act 

Nurses are accountable to and responsible for knowing and conforming to the Texas
Nursing Practice Act. In October 2025, proposed rule changes were introduced to amend the NPA, reinforcing the importance of staying informed about regulatory updates. When changes occur, nurses can access official updates through the Texas Board of Nursing
website under the Laws & Rules section. No matter what changes or predictions are made for 2026, nurses will still need to be knowledgeable of the requirements of their nursing practice in Texas. 

Looking ahead for 2026 

The Texas Nurses Association offers a wide range of educational programs, leadership development opportunities, and engagement pathways in 2026, including: 

• New Writing workshops 
• Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics workshops 
• Individualized Nursing Peer Review workshops 
• 2026 Nursing Policy Summit 
• The TNA Annual Conference: Strength in Unity, Excellence in Action- Grapevine, Texas June 10-12, 2026. 
• Opportunities to
  serve (committees, reviewers, and more) 

While no prediction can capture everything on the horizon, it is clear that workplace safety, technology, aging populations, and regulatory awareness will continue to shape nursing practice in Texas.
Nurses who remain engaged, informed, and involved will help define the future of the profession. If you have a prediction for nursing practice in 2026, we invite you to comment on this article or email us at editor@texasnurses.org.